Plastic-free July

July 1, 2024

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Plastic is everywhere in our society, from food packaging to clothing, cosmetics and electronic devices. But this brings serious problems. Plastic pollutes the environment. The fact is that the balance of nature is out of kilter and it can't go on like this.

Plastic Free July campaign launched 2011.
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It is an initiative by Australian environmental activist Rebecca Newman that has spread rapidly around the world.
In Estonia, too, it is being talked about more and more every year.

Plastic pollution is a serious problem.
Plastic waste ends up in the oceans, where it breaks down into microplastics (less than 5 mm in diameter).
Microplastics are ingested by marine organisms, which can harm them.
It is also very likely to reach us through the food chain.
Reports of marine animals dying from ingestion of microplastics first appeared in the 1960s.
The first reports of microbial deaths of seabirds were first reported in the late 1960s, when seabirds had stomachs full of plastic rather than food.

In addition, plastic is essentially indestructible.
It is therefore incinerated, releasing toxic gases into the air that can cause respiratory problems and other health problems.

On average, more than 1 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced globally every day, of which around 1 million tonnes is discarded every day. 2000 lorries full of plastici in oceans, lakes and rivers, with the rest in landfills.
Today, only 9% of plastic is recycled.

Around 12 billion tonnes of plastic have been produced worldwide to date, and most of it is simply landfilled.
Today, just under 5% of the world’s carbon footprint is associated with the production and consumption of plastics, but it is estimated that this could be as much as 20% by 2050.

The aim of a plastic-free July is to reduce plastic consumption in one month.
This is the 5th year that I am taking part in a Plastic Free July.
It’s not easy, but it can be done.

potential health risks

Scientists are only beginning to understand the potential adverse effects of microplastic exposure on human health.
Microplastics have been found in human lungs, blood, organs, placenta and even breast milk. Microplastics are difficult to study because of their small size, but health risks are being studied all the time.
For example, a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that heart patients with microplasties in the blood vessels on both sides of their necks, which carry blood from the heart to the brain and head, are twice as likely to have a stroke.
These patients were also more likely to die over the next three years than people without microplasties in their sleep arteries.
Read more HERE.

People consume microplastics through food, drinking water, breathing air and touching things. It is estimated that the average person ingests between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastics particles per year through food and drink. The number of inhaled microplastic particles is estimated at 35 000-69 000 per year.
Find information HERE.
In addition, a recent researchthat there are up to 240,000 tiny pieces of nanoplastic in a 1-litre water bottle, a much higher number than previously thought.

Microplastics are found in our food and drink. Seafood is a major source of microplastics in our diet. Most microplastics are found in the digestive tract of fish. Seafood eaten whole, such as anchovies, shrimps or mussels, accumulates microplastics in the body, which reach humans after consumption.

Microplastics are also ingested by wild animals. Studies have shown that animals exposed to microplastics may suffer from developmental abnormalities, infertility and weakened immune systems.
Read more HERE.

In turn, microplastics are known to absorb toxic chemicals because plastics are treated with various additives and chemicals, such as phthalates.
Cosmetics in the etika you can read HERE.

Prolonged exposure to airborne microplastics can cause respiratory problems and increase the risk of cancer.

tackling plastic pollution

1. Ban single-use plastic items

This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce plastic consumption.
Single-use plastic items, such as shopping bags, crockery and water bottles, are often used for a short time and then thrown away.
In particular, microplastics end up in bottles due to the constant twisting of the cap.
One 1 litre water bottle can hold up to 240 000 microplastics particles.
Instead, choose reusable alternatives such as cotton shopping bags and thermos cups.

2. Buy products in bulk

Many food products are packaged in plastic packaging.
Buying food in bulk helps reduce the amount of packaging.

3. Choose plastic-free products

Cosmetic products may contain microplastics.
At VegePure, you will find products that are as clean as possible, sustainably produced and packaged in recycled glass packaging.
Avoid plastic cutting boards. When using a microwave, heat the food in a glass dish. Heating food in plastic containers can release millions of microplastic particles into the food. Avoid products decorated with glitter, as glitter is made of plastic.
Read more HERE.

5. Share your journey on social media

Support plastic pollution campaigners and inspire others to join the Plastic Free July campaign by sharing your journey on social media. Use the hashtag #PlasticFreeJuly #plasticfreeJuly #VegePure

Together we can make the world a cleaner place!